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The action at the ATP Hamburg Open continues on day three with a compelling slate of first-round matches. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate in the Free City, including Felix Auger-Aliassme vs Vit Kopriva<\/a>. But who will secure their spot in the next round at the Am Rothenbaum<\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n Head-to-head:<\/strong> first meeting<\/span><\/p>\n Ignacio Buse arrives in the main draw having come through qualifying with authority, dropping only five games across two matches, a sharp showing that suggests he is in rhythm on the Hamburg clay. The Peruvian\u2019s topspin-heavy game and steady movement make him a credible challenger on the\u00a0terre battue\u00a0<\/em>and he will be hoping for a solid run at the French Open<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Flavio Cobolli, for his part, has been one of the more consistent performers on clay this season, reaching the Munich final and the Madrid semifinals before a disappointing early exit at home in Rome. The Italian has the kind of aggressive baseline game that can overpower opponents when he is clicking, and he knows this court well having lifted the trophy here last year. Buse\u2019s qualifying momentum is real, but Cobolli\u2019s superior level and title-defence motivation give him the edge in what should be a competitive opener.<\/span><\/p>\n Prediction: Cobolli in 3<\/em><\/p>\n Head-to-head:<\/strong> first meeting<\/span><\/p>\n Hugo Gaston is one of the more unusual operators in the men\u2019s game, a lefty with a slice-heavy, touch-oriented approach that can frustrate opponents who want to grind from the baseline. Clay suits that style, and his career record at ATP level on the surface is notably better than on hard courts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Karen Khachanov arrives at ATP Hamburg after a solid showing in Rome, where he reached his first Masters 1000 quarterfinal of the year, though his clay tennis can be inconsistent. His powerful serve is less of a weapon on clay, where the slower bounce allows returners more time to get into rallies. Gaston will look to slow everything down and force Khachanov into uncomfortable, extended exchanges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Russian is the bigger ball-striker, but Gaston\u2019s ability to disrupt rhythm with variety makes this closer than it might appear. Khachanov should be able to overpower the Frenchman when given clean looks, but Gaston\u2019s clay nous keeps him competitive throughout. Expect this one to go the distance, but Khachanov\u2019s physical edge ultimately sees him through.<\/span><\/p>\nATP Hamburg Day 3 Predictions<\/span><\/h2>\n
Flavio Cobolli vs Ignacio Buse<\/span><\/h4>\n
Hugo Gaston vs Karen Khachanov<\/span><\/h4>\n